Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has been awarded 56 Blue Flags for 2026, down from 64 beaches in the previous year. Two marinas also received certification.
Reason for decline
Speaking to Alphanews, Michalis Ierides, president of the national Blue Flag organisation and general secretary of the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (Cymepa), said the reduction was due to municipalities in Amathus and Limassol deciding not to submit applications after multiple reports of pollution during last summer’s bathing season.
About the award
The Blue Flag award is a voluntary annual eco-label given to beaches, marinas and tourism operators that meet strict criteria, including accessibility. Applicants must prove excellent water quality and provide clean facilities, including recycling and waste bins, qualified lifeguards, emergency plans and accessible environmental and water-quality information.
The Blue Flag organisation says the programme aims to connect the public with their surroundings and encourage people to learn more about their environment.
Locations awarded
In 2025, Cyprus received 66 Blue Flags in total, including 64 for beaches and two for marinas.
This year, the municipality of Paralimni–Deryneia received the most awards, with 18 flags, followed by Ayia Napa with 16, Amathus with nine, Paphos with six beaches, Hierokipia with three, Larnaca with three, and Akamas with two.
Community councils in Oroklini, Zygi, Pentakomo, Parekklisia, Episkopi, Pissouri and Lemba, along with the marinas of Limassol and Ayia Napa, received one Blue Flag each.
A detailed list of this year’s awarded locations has not yet been published.